San Diego leaders, international partners, and community members gathered today at the Civic Center Courtyard to unveil the official Marseille Sister City sign, establishing a new partnership between San Diego and Marseille, France—two global port cities aligned in innovation and trade. 

The ceremony coincided with the 3rd Edition of the French Market, transforming the Civic Center Courtyard into a vibrant celebration of French culture, cuisine, and businesses in the heart of downtown 

“San Diego is proud to welcome Marseille as our newest sister city,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “San Diego’s relationship with Marseille reflects who we are as a city — internationally connected, culturally rich, and open for business. From innovation and trade to education and community ties, this partnership will help strengthen our economy and deepen the connections between our two cities for years to come.” 

The sister city agreement was signed last year in Marseille during a World Trade Center San Diego–led trade mission to France, attended by Mayor Gloria and Congressman Scott Peters. The partnership builds on shared strengths in clean energy, life sciences, maritime industries, and advanced manufacturing. 

“San Diego is a global city, and we are more successful when we engage with the world,” said U.S. Rep. Scott Peters. “This sister city relationship creates powerful economic opportunity. From clean energy innovation to life sciences collaboration, these partnerships open markets, support high-quality jobs, and ensure San Diego remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.” 

Peters also pointed to the trade mission’s visits to research institutions, ports, and innovation hubs in Marseille as evidence that San Diego companies and workers are already contributing to – and benefiting from—global collaboration. 

“At World Trade Center San Diego, we design trade missions with one goal in mind: delivering results for our region,” said Nikia Clarke, Executive Director of World Trade Center San Diego. “The France trade mission strengthened research partnerships, opened doors with French investors, and created new pathways for San Diego companies to grow internationally. Many of the leaders who joined that mission are here today, demonstrating how global engagement shows up locally.” 

The event also featured Adrien Frier, Consul General of France in Los Angeles, who joined City leaders in celebrating the enduring ties between France and the United States and the deepening relationship between Marseille and San Diego. 

The French Market—organized by the French-American Chamber of Commerce and Downtown San Diego Partnership—brings together vendors, entrepreneurs, and community members, demonstrating how global connections support local economic activity. 

“This event shows how international partnerships can directly support the revitalization of our city center,” said Betsy Brennan, CEO of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. “By bringing global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members together in the Civic Center, we’re activating public space, supporting small businesses, and reinforcing downtown San Diego as a dynamic center for culture, commerce, and innovation.” 

The Marseille Sister City designation reinforces San Diego’s role as a globally connected city focused on economic opportunity, innovation, and shared prosperity.